Food for Thought: Student Animation Season 2013

Hey guys Fenrir here with a rather quick bite of some Food for Thought! School winding down for many of us over here in the states — it could be graduation for those of us who are part of the class of 2013, and more generally the start of a much-deserved summer after a whole year of blood, sweat, and toil. And, for those of us in the know, the end of the Spring semester also means the premiere of several student animations — and if you’re really looking to procrastinate that final take-home final, then get ready to spend some quality time with some of the best up-and-coming animated works to grace your Internet browser!

We begin with Cameron Hicks’ film entitled “An Old Dream” which is rather sweet and sincere in its simplicity, but quite moving considering the subject matter.

After this short and sweet piece we’ve got “Punctuwool” (Ugh look at that pun)by Jacob Streilein. It’s a rather whimsical film, with interesting characters and concept that tows the line between just plain adorable and undeniably creative. He also has a wonderful grasp for expression, in my opinion, that makes the characters–from the wooly sheepclouds to their harried shepherd–stand out amongst this batch of collected videos.

We move away from the whimsical, or well not really, to deal with a real issue about social anxiety in Tom Law’s “This Actually Happens a Lot”. Definitely worth a glance, and maybe even a sympathetic nod to our poor main character who only wants to hide away in a corner, afraid he’s making it awkward for everyone. There’s a lesson in there for sure, and a sweet ending for those of you who like happy endings.

“Omelette” by Madeline Sharafian is by and far my favorite of the student films of 2013. As a foodie myself I immediately enjoyed the concept about preparing a meal for a loved one–and I find that Sharafian masterfully conveyed all the elements it takes to make a perfect meal, including a dextrous hand (Paw?) with a knife and love. It’s literally a film that comes with a hefty serving of “warm and fuzzies”, on top of rather adorable character designs that make this film a pleasure to watch.

“Basilisk” by Ami Thompson is a delightful trip–with much kudos to be awarded for character design as well as background work. As an artist myself, water is probably the hardest thing for me to color, but Ami certainly makes it look easy and rather gorgeous if you ask me. Also this is one of the films I’ve seen thus far that has wonderful pacing, and a variety of action that flows so smoothly and in ways that make sense.

“Monstrawsity” by Amy He is a fourth year thesis film that celebrates the epic in the everyday. I adore this film for its style for sure, but also for its attention to the imaginative world of childhood and how just about anything can be explained with a more interesting answer than what we know to be true. Also, major props for visualizing the “scribble” world — and to be quite honest I can see a short of this caliber premiere on a children’s show.

Another pun-tastic title for a terribly sweet film, “Wingman” by Emily “Emmy” Choi is a fourth year thesis film with a lot of heart. It also doesn’t hurt that the film features a pint-sized feathered friend that lives up to its name. This is a film for all you love-birds out there, and for anyone looking for somebody to love, for sure.

The videos don’t stop there, of course; this small selection just so happens to be my personal favorites! You can find these and many more wonderful student films over at the Vimeo channels for both CalArts and Sheridan! And seriously, if you’re getting bogged down by finals or by the stresses of the everyday, give these animations a shot: a sudden burst of creativity is sure to be the right way to pick up your own spirit!

Annnnnd that’s all there is to this rather quick bite of Food for Thought; tune in next time for more ramblings and insights by yours truly!

Fenrir

A would-be anthropologist, writer, food historian, and professional glutton hoping to combine fandom with her love of food. Ever wondered what a nug tasted like? Is butterbeer alcoholic? If you've asked such questions and are already drooling at the thought of a big old plate of lembas bread, then you're in the right place

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Fenrir

A would-be anthropologist, writer, food historian, and professional glutton hoping to combine fandom with her love of food. Ever wondered what a nug tasted like? Is butterbeer alcoholic? If you've asked such questions and are already drooling at the thought of a big old plate of lembas bread, then you're in the right place